Category Archives: Business Buzz

How’s it going with those New Year resolutions? Hopefully all is going well. If not, you can always recommit and try again. You have over 350 days left to get it right. Continue to make the small improvements that will amount to the great changes you had in mind for yourself (and for SVG). If you haven’t read the first 9 ways we can do better in 2018, click here to read Part 1. Here’s the second half of list:

10. Resolve to address our rising crime rate. We all want to feel safe in our country, but when we hear about the increasing number of crimes being committed, it makes it hard for us to rest assured. Let’s look at this issue from different angles, do some research and have the necessary conversations. We have to look at identifying the cause of the offenders’ behavior and figure out what systems we can put in place in terms of prevention. We also have to look at rehabilitation so as to reduce recidivism. A great example of the kind of initiatives we need more of is the social enterprise Grow In Time (Pictured above). They have established a program that helps to rehabilitate inmates through teaching them crafting and agricultural skills and so far all the individuals who have received the training have not committed any further offences and they report a more positive outlook on life.

11. Resolve to empower our young people. The youth truly are the future and since this is the case we need to work on ensuring that our future is in good hands. Hands that have received the support, training and experience they need to achieve success. Our young people (especially those that are educated and innovative) are willing and eager to make an impact but often have little guidance and opportunity to take the reins and help make the contributions and decisions that shape our reality. The United Nations Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon hit the nail on the head with his statement, “When we give young people decent jobs, political weight, negotiating muscle, and real influence in our world, they will create a better future.”

12. Let’s resolve to listen to and promote more music with positive messages. Music is all around us, many would agree with the statement ‘music is life’. We receive messages consciously and unconsciously from the music we listen to. Music has the power to make you feel like you are the happiest man alive like Machel or completely heartbroken like Adele. Therefore, we cannot ignore the effects of music that has lyrics inciting violence and hurtful or ignoble behavior. We cannot dictate each other’s musical taste, but we can make an effort to minimize the play of songs with negative messages (especially on public transportation and on our local radio stations) and maximize the play of songs that keeps us in good spirit, and renew our hope in humanity.

13. We can resolve to adopt an attitude of gratitude. We are known as ‘Hairouna, Land of the blessed’. We are supremely favored. Everything isn’t perfect but we are quite fortunate. When you look at some of the things taking place in other parts of the world; the natural disasters, the wars, the terrorism, it will make you appreciate our island life. We can take our problems in stride and never forget that we have God to thank for our blessings.

14. Resolve to document, appreciate and carry on our traditions. We are responsible for sustaining traditions like Nine mornings and Vincy Mas. We are the ones who can pass down family recipes for Doucana and Tri-Tri cakes. We have to latch on to and appreciate the things that set us apart and make us uniquely Vincy. They represent pieces of our history and are an integral part of our culture.

15. Resolve to promote our best selves in the media. None of us can retract the negative coverage we would have received when the incident of tourists witnessing local fishermen killing Orca whales took place. However, with so many media outlets and the internet at our fingertips, we have the power to showcase all the wonderful elements of life here in SVG. There’s more to us than those unpleasant headlines. We live in paradise; there are breath-taking scenes to explore, talented artists to see, unique traditions to take part in and innovative ideas to delve into. Let’s each do our part to fill the media with representations of St. Vincent we can all be proud of.

16. Resolve to fact check before you share or act. We all like to be in the know when it comes to our current affairs. It is actually vital for us to keep up with certain stories in the news so that we can make informed decisions. However, too often these days, unconfirmed or speculated information is passed on as though it is proven and factual. This creates unnecessary controversy sometimes having long-lasting or irreparable effects. Therefore, before you call in on the radio shows to share “what does get yuh vex”, make a provocative Facebook post or share some ‘news’ with your Whatsapp contacts, please try to ensure that the information you are sharing is true.

17. Let resolve to unplug. We spend a tremendous amount of time on our gadgets and devices and there’s a time and place for it. However we have to try to create a balance as it relates to how we spend our time. There’s so much to do and experience besides what we find online (did I mention we live in paradise). Let’s do a little less scrolling and lot more exploring, socializing, really engaging with our friends and family and let’s make a conscious effort to give the gadgets a rest.

The final resolution is up to you! Tell us in the comments what resolution you would add to complete our list of 18 ways Vincentians can do better in 2018.

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join entities with more than 170 countries in celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 13th– November 19th, 2017, through Ignite, a Global Entrepreneurship Network partner. This year, the network will celebrate 10 years of helping millions of people unleash their ideas to start and scale new businesses. Ignite as a marketing and public relations consultancy that interfaces with various entrepreneurs, will be hosting a range of activities designed to inspire new & existing entrepreneurs.

To celebrate this special week, Ignite will have the MAKING IT HAPPEN SERIES – FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY. This is an online video series (each video 5-8 minutes max ) on the Ignite! Facebook page that includes sit downs with about eight (8) entrepreneurs across different sectors who have made it and are making it happen in SVG. They will highlight their struggles, challenges, success stories and most importantly how they went from having an idea to making it a reality. Candice Sealey the founder & Principal Consultant at Ignite will share the importance of public relations for businesses as well as the importance of entrepreneurs building their personal brand. She will also host a feature discussion on the importance of quality branding materials for businesses with graphic designers, audio production personnel, photographers & videographers as well as panelists. Each panelist will be a freelancer/entrepreneur and will also share how they took their idea and made it into a business.

The celebrations will also include the Make it happen video competition which is open to early start-up businesses. Each early start-up must submit a video no more than 5 minutes pitching their business/product. The video must be submitted via email to igniteresults@gmail.com. They will be judged by a panel as well as the public (via Ignite facebook page). The top 5 pitches as judged by the panel and the public will then go through to the finale where they will pitch their ideas to a LIVE panel as well as members of the public.

The Winner will receive free logo design & free 10 mins marketing consultation from Ignite, a 10% discount off brand essentials design from Ignite! (business cards, letter head, social media design-profile & cover art) and banners for 3 months. They will also get exposure to additional funding through Global Domination Capital, a Caribbean fintech start up based in Trinidad & Tobago and even more prizes which are yet to be anounced!

In addition, Ignite, local partner for Women Entrepreneurship Day (WED) will to host a brunch on Sunday November 19th which will have Miss Rene Baptiste and Miss Kimya Glasgow as guest speakers. There will also be a PITCH IT session where female entrepreneurs have 3 minutes to pitch their ideas after which they will receive feedback from a panel as well as persons in attendance. The panel will consist of Ms. Anette Mark, Executive Director of Invest SVG, Mr. Kenrick Quashie, CEO of Global Domination Capital & Founder & MD of Youth Business Trust and Ms. Kimya Glasgow – Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder Kimya Glasgow Designs Inc.

We’re all about our blue, yellow and green throughout the month of October. We anticipate the days when we can come out in our colours and proudly wave the national flag and declare that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the piece of rock in the Caribbean Sea that we are glad to call home. This year after the annual Independence Day parade we had even more activities through which we could express our Vincy pride thanks to Invest SVG. The Everything Vincy Exhibition held at the E.T Joshua Airport over a three day period (October 27th-29th), was the place to be during the independence weekend. This new initiative is aimed at highlighting the products and services that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to offer and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit as we continue on in nation building. Training workshops were also offered to the business owners who took part in the exhibition to gain knowledge on topics such as customer service and marketing which equips the business owners with tools that would help them take their businesses to the next level. This initiative is one that we are happy to see so well executed and the patrons are excited to attend in the coming years as it gets bigger and better. This is part 2 of the article where we bring you a little insight on some of the exhibitors and their products. If you haven’t read part 1 as yet, click here to view it!

Brio Ché is the brainchild of Bernadette Warren (pictured above) who many may know as Camille. They provide a line of luxury health and beauty products which inlude virgin coconut oil, body scrubs, lotions, lips balms, foot soaks, soy scented candles and massage oils. After looking at the list of products offered by Brio Ché, you’ll notice that just about everything has coconut in it and here’s why. Bernadette was raised primarily by her grandmother and coconut was a huge part of how she earned a living. Along with selling vegetables, she would make and sell coconut snacks and coconut oil and the profits allowed her to provide for Bernadette. She also credits coconut oil as the reason she’s able to stay in good health as she would consume it and use in her hair and on her skin. When Bernadette started out making concoctions to soothe her own and her husband’s skin conditions, she did some research and she knew coconut oil had to be a part of it. The end products were all natural, organic and infused with herbs and healing plants. After they experienced how well the products worked for them and received great reviews from family and friends, she officially registered the Brio Ché business in 2013. The effort that goes into producing such a health conscious yet aesthetically appealing line of products is apparent even in the packaging (which Bernadette shares she plans to make even more eco-friendly). Very soon, you might be able to watch your purchases being made from start to finish; Ms. Warren has high hopes for the next phase of her business which could include a storefront with designated production and retail areas.

Nzimbu Brown’s collage artwork and tie-dye

Since 1985, Nzimbu Browne has created art that thoroughly reflects the rhythm of Vincentian living. Our history, culture, traditions and landscapes are so eloquently expressed through collages made from what some would consider to be waste. “I take it up and add some intelligence into it” he said as he explained that dried banana leaves and coconut shells are his choice of medium. In addition to his beautiful collages, he also does tie-dye and makes drums. He refers to his creativity as his survival kit as this has been his way of earning a living for over 30 years and his passion and determination shines through in his work ethic. Browne expressed a desire to be on an international market to have his work appreciated and purchased by millions of people and says he’s ready and willing to put in the hard work that this will take.

Melissa Ashton representing Melissa’s Kreations

Melissa Ashton’s Jewelry making talent is actually the gift she prayed for and she’s passionate about putting her blessing to good use. When she made her first pair of earrings she used her teeth to do what her hands couldn’t. Fortunately, her sister saw her need and bought her a pair of pliers which she still uses to this day. She attributes her success thus far to the fact that her aim is to make her customers happy which in turn gives her the greatest feeling of fulfillment. At the moment she makes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, beaded key-chains and has just started dabbling in the production of scented candles. She hopes to eventually have a storefront where she sells not only her jewelry but glass beads and the findings and components that are involved in the craft. She’s eager to continue building her business and see her small beginnings blossom into great achievements.

Betty Cyrus representing Cyrus Snacks

If you’re an avid snacker, chances are you’ve seen and probably buy several Cyrus Snacks. After retiring from her day job, in 2008 proud owner Betty Cyrus started making plantain chips for sale. Since then, sweet potato, breadfruit, spicy banana, eddoe and sweet cassava chips have been added to the line of snacks offered. It started out as her way of making use of the food items that she saw would go to waste. It has now blossomed into a substantial business that makes the snacks many Vincentians love to munch on. Betty’s products can be found in almost all of our major supermarkets but she hopes to eventually develop the demand necessary to export her snacks.

Michelle Bacchus Barbour representing Me-Shelli Unique

Michelle Bacchus Barbour the talent behind tasty creations of Me-Shelli Unique started out as a seamstress. Over ten years ago, she learnt the basics of baking from a friend and went on to try out new things to create cakes and cookies as requested by friends and family. She incorporated these two skills as well as her crafting abilities into a venture that would provide a one of a kind wedding package. This package included custom clothing for the bridal party, handmade bouquets and of course, she could provide the wedding cake. Over time, she became more renowned for her baking than her sewing and so she has decided to stick with it.

Representative of Richmond Vale Academy

The Richmond Vale Academy’s attendance was a timely reminder of the role we play in global warming and climate change. This organization has researched and taught lessons on climate change and initiated projects that include beach cleanups, tree planting and setting up model gardens. They also produce informative radio and television programs and hold open days to help spread their message. The team was eager to share flyers and have insightful conversations with the attendees in hopes that more of us will become Climate Activists and fight to make our country more energy, food and disaster secure. Climate change is real and we have to work together to build a nation that can withstand and overcome its effects.

The exhbitors mentioned are only a sample of what the Everything Vincy Exhibtion had to offer. Some of the other businesses that attended the event included Immense Bags, Link Up, Erica’s Country Style, Escape Health and Day Spa, Fanfare Events, Searles Agro Products, Mudulla Propagation, East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) and so much more. We can’t wait for next year’s Exhibition!

It’s been a hectic and productive few months for Vincentian born, Multi-platinum selling artist, Kevin Lyttle. Still celebrating the success of his collabo with Latin artist & songwriter, Nengo Flow, which peaked at no.1 on the Billboard Tropical chart in October 2016 as well as the charting of the Turn Me On remixes from the Turn Me On anniversary album, Lyttle is once again making headlines due to his independent label, Tarakon Records’, new partnership with major heavy hitter Sony Ultra.

When Lyttle separated from Atlantic Records after his first album, everyone wondered whether he would sign with another major. Fast forward 12 years and he is now making the leap again but this time doing it the “right way”. This partnership will see Sony-Ultra releasing Lyttle’s next four (4) upcoming projects including Slow Motion which was released in 2017; the track’s sexy Soca fusion vibes are exactly what the world has been missing. Undoubtedly, the international King of Soca is returning to the majors with a hit that is expected to touch every corner of the world that his first hit ‘Turn Me On’ did.

This move by Tarakon Records is MONUMENTAL for the label, Kevin Lyttle, the other artists on the label and the Caribbean community. It will create a much needed positive movement in the Soca music community! Tarakon Records has grown to 11 artists in the past few years and is expecting to release quite a few projects in multiple genres this year. With this new partnership, Tarakon Records believes its reach will increase due to Sony’s network and resources and by extension, Tarakon records’ artistes will be under the same spotlight which would in turn assist in propelling them. CEO of Tarakon Records, Dr. Jackie Lyttle says that “This is what the Tarakon team has been working for. Not so much getting back with a major label but partnering with one.” She added that the combination of the personal touch from an independent label along with the resources and expertise from a major, is definitely an asset. In her words “It doesn’t get better than Sony”. The founder/president of Ultra Music and President of Electronic Music at Sony Music, Patrick Moxey, stated that he is excited about working with the Tarakon Records team.

International recording artiste, Kevin Lyttle, has been anticipating this move and is looking forward to the benefits of the partnership. Kevin not only believes the move is a great one for himself and his label but also his charity and the other charities he supports. Despite Lyttle’s hectic schedule, he and Mrs. Lyttle, still have time for philanthropic events. After the sudden passing of his mother due to heart disease in 2008, both him and Mrs. Lyttle in 2010, founded the Janice Lyttle foundation for heart disease and support, a nonprofit foundation with a goal to provide support and some funding for the education of the people of SVG on hypertensive cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, CEO, Dr. Jacqueline Lyttle, is on the board of the Galleon Foundation whose tagline reads ‘Making a difference one child at a time’. The latter foundation is a not for profit Florida Corporation whose aim is to provide scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. Both Kevin & Jackie Lyttle support the foundation physically and financially.

A record turnout is expected for this year’s CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Walk for the Cure. The event, which is the bank’s hallmark fundraiser in the fight against cancer, was previously scheduled for Saturday 1st October but was postponed due to the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew.

It starts at 3:00 PM, and will see walkers moving from the bank-yard on Halifax Street in Kingstown, and using the main road, travel to the roundabout in Arnos Vale, then back to the bank-yard.

Walk for the cure Project Coordinator, Jacintha Hinds, said during a press briefing last week Thursday, that things are in place for the walk, and that the organizers hope to have more than the over 200 persons that turned out last year.

Hinds indicated that there will be added attractions to the walk this year, and encouraged persons to turn out in their numbers for the fifth edition of the event.

“On our return to this venue, we will have a special warm down session by the BE FIT MOVEMENT, as well as a number of activities so that walkers can socialize some more, before heading to their respective homes”.

“I want to take this opportunity to invite each and everyone, young and old, to come out and be a part of this walk. We are looking forward to a record turn out this year,” Hinds noted.

Proceeds from the walk will be handed over to Project Pink, an organization formed to assist persons who are in some way affected by cancer.

Project Pink’s PRO, LaFerne Fraser, who spoke at the press launch, thanked CIBC First Caribbean for the gesture, and pointed out that funds raised by the organization will be used to focus on breast cancer fight.

LaFerne Fraser of Project Pink

“CIBC First Caribbean International Bank is doing something that is nothing short of extraordinary by being our platinum sponsor for Project Pink, and our thanks can’t be expressed enough because what you are doing is allowing us to make that significant donation and to save that life,” Fraser said.

“This year, we are focusing on breast cancer, next year we are focusing on prostate cancer, because we are not just about breast cancer; we are a cancer [awareness] movement and we are looking at cancers that affect our Vincentian nationals,” she added.

Also speaking at the event was Andre Cadogan, Retail Banking and Operations Manager, who said that CIBC First Caribbean was pleased to be at the forefront of raising awareness of cancer and the importance of early detection both here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Caribbean, and that the event is intended to bring people from all walks of life together for a common cause.

CIBC – FCIB’s Andre Cadogan

“Everyone somehow is affected by cancer, whether it is personally, or through a family member or other loved one, a friend or acquaintance – we know of someone who is affected by cancer of some sort. So this disease and its effects are very real to us”.

“We at CIBC First Caribbean have had our own up close and personal encounters with the disease as well. We have lost coworkers to cancer and because of this we are even more committed to raising awareness. I commend PROJECT PINK for the life-saving work that they are embarked on and urge more support for their work”.

Cadogan also reinforced that registration can be done online at http://www.cibcfcibwalkforthecure.causevox.com.

This year, Walk for the Cure is being sponsored by Going Places, Flow, VISA, Tata Consultancy Services, Quick Cash, Arabesque, Mustique Company Limited, ECGC/JU-C, Tus-T Water and Harmony Investments.

Article and Photos provided by Junior Jarvis. More photos on our Facebook page

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